DART starts flexible in-town bus routes
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DART First State has initiated a new bus service in three Sussex County cities that offers more in-town stops and even some curbside pick ups.
Flexibility is the foundation of the new service, said John Sisson, CEO of DART's Delaware Transit Corporation. “This service is unique because it offers a chance for riders to schedule pick ups that deviate up to one mile from the routes,” he said.
Those pick ups can be scheduled a minimum of two hours and up to two days in advance by phoning 1-800-652-3278, and choosing option 3. There is an additional $1 charge each way for the flexible service.
Sisson said it's hoped that some paratransit riders will take advantage of the new flex routes. He said scheduling is more flexible and the cost is $1.75 each way compared to the current $3 fare for paratransit riders. The buses are all wheelchair accessible.
To get riders more accustomed to the routes, bus fares are free until Friday, Jan. 16, 2015.
The flex routes offer riders more in-town stops to shopping, medical and human service facilities. “We have found that many people were walking to these locations. The new routes will be much safer,” Sisson said, adding this area of Sussex County was determined to have the greatest need for more bus service.
On Nov. 10, DART and Delaware Department of Transportation officials gathered at the Georgetown transit hub to kick off the new routes. The Georgetown route has several stops including the Walmart shopping area, Georgetown Plaza shopping center and Thurman Adams State Service Center.
The flex routes operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. In addition to new bus stops at key points, flag zones have been established in designated areas along the route where riders can wave down a bus to stop. In Georgetown, those areas include along Route 113, Edward Street and Ingramtown Road.
Sisson said based on ridership on the three Sussex County routes, the service could be expanded to other areas throughout the state.
Route 901F – Georgetown loop – travels around Georgetown and connects to Route 206 to Lewes and Rehoboth Beach; Route 212 to Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel and Delmar; and to new 902F flex route to Millsboro.
Route 902F – New service between Georgetown and Millsboro with connections to routes 206 and 212.
Route 903F – Around the City of Seaford connecting to Route 212.
